The Boomers will line up against host nation Japan in Okinawa as well as Germany and Finland at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, after the Official Draw took place in The Philippines on Saturday night.
With only 117 days to go until the event tips off on 25 August, the draw sorted the 32 qualified nations into eight groups of four – with Australia placed into position three in Group E.
This will see their campaign begin on the opening day against Finland, followed by Germany on Sunday 27 and Japan on Tuesday 29.
The Boomers will have to finish the group phase in the top two in order to progress to the next round. Australia heads into the World Cup currently ranked third in the world behind Spain (1) and the USA (2), who were placed in Group G and Group C, respectively.
Australian coach Brian Goorjian says having the draw now is really exciting.
Although the Boomers will be the strongest ranked team in their group with Germany sitting 11th, Finland 24th and Japan 36th, Australian Boomers’ Head Coach, Brian Goorjian, said there’s a huge amount of respect for every team who plays at the World Cup.
“I’m really excited, it becomes more real now that we know where we’re playing and who we’re playing,” Goorjian said post draw.
“Japan in Japan is going to be tough, we played Germany and it was line ball at the Olympic qualifications, Finland has played everyone tough over there and qualified, so there’s a respect for these teams.
“I find this tournament really challenging because it’s game after game and a lot of the teams that could beat anybody don’t qualify for the Olympics, so they’re all there and it’s a real challenge.
“Up until this point the total focus has been on us, thinking about who we’re going to bring into camp, looking for guys, watching the NBA and how they’re playing there, and those kind of roles in the back of your mind, thinking “who’s in our pool, who are we up against’.
Now that element comes into this so we’ll start analysis of the other team’s rosters, their playing style and that will all help preparation for our upcoming camp.
"It really brings the tournament right into focus, it’s right around the corner and it’s going to be a great event. I’ve just been to Okinawa and the stadium is fantastic, the Japanese love their hoops.”
The 2023 FIBA World Cup runs from 25 August to 10 September and for the first time, will be co-hosted between three nations – The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
The Boomers squad will be communicated over the coming weeks, along with the team’s schedule leading into the World Cup. For more information about the 2023 FIBA World Cup, click here.
